Medical School Student

You’re currently enrolled in medical school. Learn more about some important steps in the process and prepping for residency.

During Medical School

You’ll spend 3 to 4 years in basic medical school training. The first 2 years generally cover the human body and how it functions when healthy and when ill. In the final 2 years of medical school, you’ll get clinical placement time in hospitals, clinics and physician offices. This will be followed by exams and residency.

Support for Medical Students

The Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) represents medical students in Canada and has a number of resources to support them, including the CFMS Student Initiative Grants, textbook discounts, an insurance plan, residency interview travel discounts and more. 

The student section of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) offers a mentorship program for medical students, financial assistance (bursaries and subsidies), low cost insurance programs and more.

Exams and Residency

When you finish medical school, you need to take the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) Part 1. The Medical Council of Canada website has lots of resources to help you prepare for the exam.

After passing the exam, the next step is to apply for residency (or postgraduate training). The Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), a national body representing medical students in Canada, in association with the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) produces an annual edition of The Match Book to help medical students prepare for their match and plan their career. CaRMS works with medical schools to provide an electronic application service and a computer match for medical students.

The Professional Association of Internes & Residents of Ontario (PAIRO) has information about prepping for residency, including what you need to do before you start residency and malpractice insurance.

If you’re looking for a way to help pay for your medical school training, keep the HealthForceOntario Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRR Initiative) in mind. It will provide grants to residents who agree to practise in a northern or highly rural community or in one of the five major northern urban referral centres (Thunder Bay, Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins).

Canadians Studying Abroad

If you are a Canadian citizen and have chosen to attend medical school outside of Canada, Canadians Studying Abroad will explain how you can come home and practise when you graduate. Contact opportunity@healthforceontario.ca. 

Resources

Read about physician education resources.